Vientiane (VNA) ✨– Lao leaders have lauded Vietnam’s remarkable achievements over the past 80 years of nation-building and development, highlighting their significance not only for the country’s rising regional and global profile but also for the preservation and strengthening of the great friendship, special solidarity and comprehensive cooperation between Laos and Vietnam.

Speaking to Vietnam News Agency correspondents in Vientiane ahead of Vietnam’s 80th National Day (September 2, 1945 – 2025), Professor Boviengkham Vongdara, Minister of Technology and Communications of Laos, recalled that the triumph of the August Revolution in 1945 opened a new era of independence for the Vietnamese people, who nevertheless faced immense challenges. Under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and President Ho Chi Minh, the people united with resolve and courage to overcome hardships and secure historic victories. Following reunification, despite war devastation and embargoes, Vietnam pressed ahead with the Doi moi (Renewal) process from 1986, enabling the nation to overcome crises, escape underdevelopment and emerge as a dynamic economy with a growing international role. Through its consistent foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and friendship, Vietnam has been recognised as a reliable friend, a trusted partner and a responsible member of the international community, while extending wholehearted support to Laos and other partners. Professor Boviengkham described Laos–Vietnam ties as a special model in the world, forged in wartime solidarity when the two nations fought side by side for independence and freedom, and carried forward in peacetime through cooperation. In his role as President of the Laos–Vietnam Friendship Association, he pledged continued efforts with the Vietnam–Laos Friendship Association to preserve and promote this invaluable legacy, stressing the need to educate younger generations and to step up exchanges and cooperation in culture, education, science and technology, health, tourism, trade, investment, agriculture and digital transformation. Alounxay Sounnalath, Secretary of the Party Committee and Governor of Champasak province, shared the view, noting that Vietnam’s 80-year journey is closely intertwined with world history and with Laos’s own five-decade path. He praised the Vietnamese people’s indomitable spirit in the struggle for national liberation and their comprehensive progress in defence, security, economy, culture and foreign affairs under the CPV’s leadership. He underlined that the Laos–Vietnam friendship is a unique and priceless treasure that must be safeguarded and further nurtured, particularly by the younger generations who will carry forward this noble tradition./.